Lancaster business fire loss could be $200,000

January 14, 2014News Extra

LANCASTER TWP — The state police fire marshal is investigating a blaze this morning that destroyed a large pole building housing offices and equipment for a family-owned home building and remodeling business.

No one was injured but damage in the fire at Kelly Construction Co. likely will hit or exceed $200,000, said Chief Neal Nanna of the Harmony Volunteer Fire Company.

“Everything is gone. Everything is a total loss,” Nanna said of the 45-foot-by-90-foot building and its contents.

Among the property up in flames was a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado, motorcycle parts, machinery, plywood, table saws and power saws. But mainly tools.

“It was crammed full of tools,” said owner Ken Kelly.

He said the tools were primarily used to make cabinets, bookcases and home entertainment centers as part of his 35-year-old business.

The property is insured, said Kelly, who vowed to replace the building, which was constructed about 30 years ago.

“We built that before we built our house,” he said.

Kelly said the fire would not hamper his business, which has three employees two of which are his sons.